Alpentzu

This was the first ice fall in Gressoney ascended by Alessandro Jaccod, the father of piolet-traction in Valle d'Aosta. Once you've reached the path it's well worth spending 10 minutes visiting the old village from which the icefall gets its name.... simply marvelous.

GETTING THERE

Take the Turin - Aosta motorway, exit at Pont Saint Martin and continue north along the SR44 into Valle di Gressoney. Drive past St Jean and reach Parletoa after two hairpin bends.

ACCESS

Park the car 200m before the village in the car park on the left. The icefall is located directly in front of the car park.

DESCENT

After the final step continue up for a further 50m and then traverse right to reach the path. Follow this back down into the valley.